A GARDENER who raped and murdered a 15-year-old girl was found guilty yesterday of holding her prisoner in the hours before her death.

Stephen Beadman, 29, had denied holding Kayleigh Haywood captive at a neighbour’s home before beating her to death in woodland. Beadman sat motionless in the dock as a jury at Nottingham Crown Court found him guilty of false imprisonment.

He has already admitted murder and rape. He will be sentenced on Friday.

The jury has yet to reach a verdict on an imprisonment charge against co-accused Luke Harlow, 28. Harlow has admitted sexual activity with Kayleigh, from Measham, Leicestershire, and grooming her. He denies false imprisonment.

Kayleigh was allegedly held at Harlow’s house in nearby Ibstock in November after he groomed her via Facebook, the jury heard.

She was one of a string of girls who were sent messages by him. The court heard Kayleigh was plied with drink and touched sexually by Beadman and Harlow.

Neighbours later reported hearing loud banging and screams coming from the house.

One told how she heard a female voice shouting: “Mummy!”

The court heard that she was then seen running half-naked into the street chased by Beadman who wrestled her to the ground. He then marched her to nearby woodland where he raped her before battering her to death with a rock. The trial continues.

Comments Unavailable

Sorry, we are unable to accept comments about this article
at the moment. However, you will find some great articles
which you can comment on right now in our
Comment section.